Store display form construction



Jan. 5, 1965 K. M. ROLLIUS ETAL 3,164,309

STORE DISPLAY FORM CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 11, 1964 INVENTORS KZZJ'LM Rolhlus and RagmonwL. Thompson 7mg, & M

ATTORNEYS Jan. 5, 1965 K. M. ROLLIUS ETAL 3,164,309

STORE DISPLAY FORM CONSTRUCTION Filed Feb. 11, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 H NT INVENTORS KarZMRoMizw and Raymond/L. Thompsan 8 6 M, War Mu;

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,164,309 STGRE DISPLAY FORM CONSTRUQTEQN Karl M. Rollins and Raymond L. Thompson, oath of Canton, Ohio, assignors to Old King Cole, inc, Louisville, 0M0, a corporation of Qhio Filed Feb. 11, 1%4, Ser. No. 344,059 Qiairns. (Cl. 223-66) Our invention relates to improvements in store display forms of the type used for displaying clothing, and more specifically for displaying brassieres. Even more specifically, our invention relates to store display forms for displaying brassieres in which the form has improved holding and positioning means thereon, whereby the brassieres may be easily and conveniently mounted in an attractive, smooth and natural form.

Many prior constructions of store display forms have been provided for displaying all types of clothing and particularly brassieres. Furthermore, although full mannequins can be used for displaying brassieres, it is most convenient to merely provide a display form consisting of the upper female trunk for this purpose, since forms of this type are considerably less space consuming and a number of such forms may be conveniently placed on a single store counter or display shelf.

One of the major difficulties with prior store display forms for displaying brassieres is that, due to the various holding means provided thereon for engaging and holding the side and shoulder straps of the brassieres, it has been difficult and time consuming to mount the brassieres on the forms in a smooth and natural position. As a consequence, there have been many occasions when these clothing articles have been improperly displayed and have given a poor presentation to the customer.

Many attempts have been made to improve these store display forms for brassieres in order to eliminate these difiiculties, but none have been entirely successful. Furthermore, these improvements have added greatly to the original cost and maintenanceof these store display forms, thereby increasing overhead costs.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a store display form construction for displaying brassieres which overcomes the foregoing difficulties in a simple and efiicient manner.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a store display form construction for displaying brassieres having improved side and shoulder strap holding means, whereby the brassieres may be easily and conveniently mounted on the display form in a smooth and natural appearing position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a store display form construction for displaying brassieres in which the holding means for maintaining the brassieres properly positioned on the form are substantially completely hidden from the persons viewing the form, yet are conveniently positioned for simple and efiicient attachment thereto.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a store display form construction for displaying brassieres in which improved side and shoulder strap holding means is formed such that it is a simple operation to attach the straps thereto, yet the straps will remain in the originally engaged position over a long period of time.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a store display form construction for displaying brassieres which satisfies all of the foregoing objects in a simple and efficient manner, yet, due to the unique and simplified construction thereof, may be provided at a minimum of material and labor cost.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and subcombinations comprising the present invention, a preferred embodiment of which-illustrative of the best mode in which applicants have contemplated applying the principles-is set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and which is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms, the store display form construction comprising the present invention may be stated as including a three-dimensional form of at least the upper trunk of a female in which preferably substantially the complete form with the exception of the brassiere side and shoulder strap holding means is formed of a somewhat resilient injection molded plastic, such as polyethylene. Further, the form includes horizontally spaced strap holding means mounted at the form back, with each strap holding means having generally vertically extending and horizontally adjacent members constructed to resiliently resist horizontal separation for receiving the brassiere side straps extending around the form sides therebetween and resiliently gripping these side straps against movement. Still further, each strap holding means has preferably downwardly opening hook means formed thereon constructed for receiving and gripping the brassiere. shoulder straps extending over the form upper end and holding these shoulder straps against movement.

Also, the plastic material for the form may be of a thermoplastic composition with both holding means being formed integral of a single piece of resilient wire so that the Wire holding means may be heat welded after proper formation into the plastic material form for securing the holding means on the form. This can be advantage ously accomplished by providing the form back with a rearwardly projecting raised peripheral border and a recessed back surface within this border, forming the one piece wire holding means extending substantially completely horizontally across the form back withthe spaced holding means positioned inwardly of the back border and spaced rearwardly from the back recessed surface, and heat welding the wire holding means ends into the back border adjacent the form sides.

Certain further refinements may be provide-d such as acid etching and plating the wire holding means in order to form a roughened surface to more securely grip and hold the straps once these straps are engaged therein. Also, grooved shoulder strap guides may be provided at the upper end of the form for receiving the brassiere shoulder straps therein in the extension of these shoulder straps over the upper end of the form and into engagement with the hooks of the strap holding means.

By way of example, an embodiment of the store display form of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a store display form incorporating the principles of the present invention, with a representative brassiere mounted thereon shown in broken lines;

FIG 2, a rear elevation of the store display form of FIG. 1 with the representative brassiere again shown in broken lines illustrating the proper engagement of the side and shoulder straps thereof with the form strap holding means;

FIG. 3, a side elevation of the store display form of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4, a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 44 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5, a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 55 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in Fatented Jan. 5., 1965 FIG. 2;

FIG. 7, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 7-7 in PEG. 6;

FIG. 8, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 8-8 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9, a fragmentary sectional view looking in the direction of the arrows '*9 in FIG. 8.

Referring to the drawings, the store display form construction of the present invention is incorporated in a three-dimensional form, generally indicated at 19, of the upper trunk of a female and includes an appropriately form-ed front 11, upper end 12 having the shoulder portions 13 and 1d, a flat horizontally extending lower end 15, the preferably arcuate generally vertically extending sides 16 and 17, and the generally vertically extending back l8. Further, the main part of the form with the exception of the strap holding means which will be hereinafter discussed in detail, may be a hollow, somewhat resilient,

plastic material, injection molded article preferably molded'frorn a resilient thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene.

The back 18 is preferably formed with a rearwardly projecting or raised border portion 19 extending totally around the periphery of this back. Furthermore, this border portion 19 along the inner edges thereof angles smoothly inwardly into a recessed surface portion 20 which makes up the remainder of the back 18. Both the border portion l9 and recess surface portion 21! preferably extend in generallyvertical planes.

Referring to FIGS. 2, and 4 through 7, horizontally spaced strap holding means, generally indicated at 21 and 22, are mounted on the back 18 preferably spaced rearwardly from back recess surface portion 20. It is preferred to form these strap holding means integral and from a single piece or length of resilient wire, preferably generally circular in cross-section.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, these integral strap holding means, generally indicated at 21 and 22, may be formed of a first horizontal portion 23 extending substantially completely across the back 18 to the back border portion 19 adjacent each of the sides l6 and 17. Further, second horizontal portions 24 are integrally connected to each of the ends of the first horizontal portion 23 and extend inwardly from adjacent the sides 16 and 17, with these second horizontal portions 24 terminating inwardly preferably at points slightly inwardly from radial alignment with the central parts of the upper end shoulder portions 1-3 and 14.

Still further, first vertical portions 25 are integrally connected to the inner ends of each of the second horizontal portions 24 and extend vertically downwardly from the first horizontal portion 23 to a point spaced slightly above thetback border portion 19 at the form lower end 15. Finally, second vertical portions 2e are integrally connected to each of the first vertical portions 25 and extend vertically upwardly closely inwardly adjacent the first vertical portions 25, with these second vertical portions 26 terminating spaced slightly downwardly from the first horizontal portion 23 in downwardly opening, rather closely bent hook portions 27.

In the final assembly of the particular embodiment of the present invention illustrated, the outer ends of the first horizontal portion 23 and second horizontal portions 24 are heat welded and thereby actually molded into the back border portion 1), with the plastic material of this border portion flowing around and between the ends of these horizontal portions 23 and 24, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, to thereby firmly secure the strap holding means to the remainder of the form it while still positioning the strap holding means spaced rearwardly from the back recessed surface portion 20. Furthermore, it is preferred to acid etch and plate the resilient wire making up the strap hold ing means after the formationv thereof and prior to assembly, in order to provide a slightly roughened surface which will not only aid the functioning of the strap holding nae-ans, out will also aid in the securing of this wire to the plastic material of the form during assembly.

Thus, the first and second vertical portions 25 and 26 extending closely horizontally adjacent and resiliently resisting horizontal separation form the strap holding means for the hrassiere side straps 23 extending rearwardly around the form sides l6 and 17, as shown in broken lines in FIGS. 1 and 2 Also, the closely bent hook portions 27 form the strap holding means for the brassiere shoulder straps 2% extending upwardly over the form shoulder portions 13 and 14. In both cases, the resilient qualities of the wire, as well as the roughness of the wire, combine to tightly grip the side and shoulder straps 28 and 29, as shown.

As best shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, it is also preferred to form the grooved shoulder strap guides 34; and 31 partially in the form front 11 and upwardly over the shoulder portions 13 and is. As shown, these strap guides 3t and 31 are generally U-shaped in horizontal cross-section, forming recesses on the surface of the form which blend smoothly at the lower ends thereof into the form front 11 and at the upper ends thereof into the form shoulder portions 13 and Ji l.

Thus, with the shoulder strap guides 36 and 31, the brassiere shoulder straps 29 are held in proper position extending upwardly along the form front 11 and over the form shoulder portions 13 and 14.

This also maintains the shoulder straps 29 properly positioned and extending slightly angularly inwardly down along the form back 18 to the hook portions 27 which permits a more tight and secure engagement of these shoulder straps with the hook portions 27.

According to the principles of the present invention, therefore, with the provision of the improved strap holdmeans 21 and 22, brassieres may be easily and conveniently mounted on the form It and the side and shoulder straps Z and 2? quickly engaged with these strap holding means, with little time being required to position the brassieres with a fully natural and smooth appearance. Furthermore, due to these unique strap holding means 21 and 22, the side and shoulder snaps 23 and 2? are securely gripped and will be maintained in such condition over a long period of time without adjustment.

Still further, the quick and easy assembly of the brassiere on the form id is greatly aided by the fact that the strap holding means 21 and 22 are at locations for easy access, spaced rearwardly from the back recessed surface portion 2%, while still being maintained completely withing the back border portion 19. Also, the easy and secure positioning of the brassiere on the form It is greatly aided by the shoulder strap guides 3% and 31, as well as the fact that the major portion of the form is constructed of a somewhat resilient plastic material which will give slightly during the application of the brassiere to the form, and thereafter provide some resilient urging for maintaining the brassiere smooth and neat appearing.

Finally, due to the simplified construction of the present invention including the injection molding of the major portion of the form it of a thermoplastic material, forming the strap holding means 21 and 22 integral and of one piece resilient wire, and then simply heat welding the wire into the thermoplastic material for securely joining the same, the final store display form construction may be quickly and easily manufactured with a minimum of material and labor costs.

in the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, because such words are used for descriptive purposes herein and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiment of the improved construction illustrated and described herein is by way of example Q3 and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of construction shown.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and use of the preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and useful construction and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Store display form construction for displaying brassieres having side and shoulder straps, including, a threedimensional form of at least the upper trunk of a female, the form having sides and an upper end and a back, horizontally spaced strap holding means mounted at the form back, each strap holding means having generally vertically extending horizontally adjacent members constructed to resiliently resist horizontal separation for receiving the brassiere side straps extending around the form sides therebetween and resiliently gripping said side straps against movement, and each strap holding means having hook means formed thereon constructed for receiving and gripping the brassiere shoulder straps extending over the form upper end and holding said shoulder straps against movement.

2. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the shoulder strap hook means formed on the strap holding means are hooks formed integral with and at the upper end of one of the side strap vertical members on each of the strap holding means; and in which the shoulder strap hooks open generally downwardly.

3. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the strap holding means are formed integral and of a single piece of resilient wire including a first horizontal portion extending across the form back to adjacent the form sides, second horizontal portions integrally connected to ends of the first horizontal portion and extending inwardly from adjacent each of the form sides and terminating inwardly horizontally spaced apart, first vertical portions integrally connected to inner ends of each of the second horizontal portions extending downwardly from said second horizontal portions, second vertical portions integrally connected to lower ends of each of the first vertical portions and extending upwardly adjacent said first vertical portions, each of the second vertical portions terminating upwardly in downwardly opening hook portions, and the first and second vertical portions forming the brassiere side strap gripping means and the hook portions the brassiere shoulder strap gripping means.

4. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the shoulder strap hook means formed on the strap holding means are hooks formed integral with and at the upper end of one of the side strap vertical members on each of the strap holding means, in which the shoulder strap hooks open generally downwardly; and in which the strap holding means vertical members and integral hooks are formed of resilient wire and have acid etched surfaces providing roughness for aiding in gripping the brassiere straps.

5. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the strap holding means are formed integral and of a single piece of resilient wire including a first horizontal portion extending across the form back to adjacent the form sides, second horizontal portions integrally connected to ends of the first horizontal portion and extending inwardly from adjacent each of the form sides and terminating inwardly horizontally spaced apart, first vertical portions integrally connected to inner ends of each of the second horizontal portions extending downwardly from said second horizontal portions, second vertical portions integrally connected to lower ends of each of the first vertical portions and extending upwardly adjacent said first vertical portions, each of the second vertical portions terminating upwardly in downwardly opening hook portions, and the first and second vertical portions forming the brassiere side strap gripping means and the hook portions the brassiere shoulder strap gripping means; and in which the holding means wire has acid etched and plated surfaces providing roughness for aiding in gripping the brassieres straps.

6. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the strap holding means are formed integral and of a single piece of resilient wire including a first horizontal portion extending across the form back to adjacent the form sides, second horizontal portions integral ly connected to ends of the first horizontal portion and extending inwardly from adjacent each of the form sides and terminating inwardly horizontally spaced apart, first vertical portions integrally connected to inner ends of each of the second horizontal portions extending downwardly from said second horizontal portions, second vertical portions integrally connected to lower ends of each of the first vertical portions and extending upwardly adjacent said first vertical portions, each of the second vertical portions terminating upwardly in downwardly opening hook portions, and the first and second vertical portions forming the brassiere side strap gripping means and the hook portions the brassiere shoulder strap gripping means; in which substantially the remainder of the form other than said holding means wire is formed of a thermoplastic material; and in which ends of the holding means horizontal portions adjacent the form sides are heat welded into the form thermoplastic material securing the holding means wire on the form.

7. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the strap holding means are formed integral and of a single piece of resilient wire including a first horizontal portion extending across the form back to adjacent the form sides, second horizontal portions integrally connected to ends of the first horizontal portion and extending inwardly from adjacent each of the form sides and terminating inwardly horizontally space apart, first vertical portions integrally connected to inner ends of each of the second horizontal portions extending downwardly from said second horizontal portions, second vertical portions integrally connected to lower ends of each of the first vertical portions and extending upwardly adjacent said first vertical portions, each of the second vertical portions terminating upwardly in downwardly opening hook portions, and the first and second vertical portions forming the brassiere side strap gripping means and the hook portions the brassiere shoulder strap gripping means; in which substantially the remainder of the form other than the holding means wire is formed of thermoplastic material; in which the form back has a rearwardly projecting raised peripheral border portion and a recessed back surface within said border portion; and in which integrally connected ends of the holding means horizontal portions adjacent the form sides are heat welded into the back border portion thermoplastic material with at least the holding means vertical portions and hooks spaced rearwardly from the back recessed surface.

8. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the form back has a generally vertically extending back surface; and in which at least the holding means vertically extending members and hook means are spaced rearwardly from said back surface.

9. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the form upper end has surfaces; and in which grooved shoulder strap guides are formed in the upper end surfaces to receive the brassiere shoulder straps therein in the extension of said shoulder straps over said form upper end.

10. Store display form construction as defined in claim 1 in which the strap holding means are formed integral and of a single piece of resilient wire including a first horizontal portion extending across the form back to adjacent the form sides, second horizontal portions integrally connected to ends of the first horizontal portion and Wardly from said second horizontal portions, second vertical portions integrally connected to lower ends of each of the first vertical portions and extending upwardly adjacent said first vertical portions, each of the second vertical portions terminating upwardly in downwardly opening hook portions, and the first and second vertical portions forming the brassiere side strap gripping means and the hook portions the brassiere shoulder strap gripping "leans; in which substantially the remainder oi the form other than the holding means wire is formed of thermoplastic material; in which the form back has a rearwardly projecting raised peripheral border portion and a recessed as back surface Within said border portion; in which integrally connected ends of the holding means horizontal portions adjacent the form sides are heat Welded into the back border portion thermoplastic material with at least the holding means vertical portions and hook portions spaced rearwardly from the back recessed surface; in which the form upper end has surfaces; and in which grooved shoulder strap guides are formed in the upper end surfaces to receive the brassiere shoulder straps therein in the extension of said shoulder straps over said form upper end.

References flirted in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. STORE DISPLAY FORM CONSTRUCTION FOR DISPLAY BRASSERIES HAVING SIDE AND SHOULDER STRAPS INCLUDING A THREEDIMENSIONAL FORM OF AT LEAST THE UPPER TRUNK OF A FEMALE THE FORM HAVING SIDES AND AN UPPER END AND A BACK, HORIZONTALLY SPACED STRAP HOLDING MEANS MOUNTED AT THE FORM BACK, EACH STRAP HOLDING MEANS HAVING GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING HORIZONTALLY ADJACENT MEMBER CONSTRUCTED TO RELILIENTLY RESIST HORIZONTALLY ADJACENT MEMBERS CONSTRUCTED BRASSIERE SIDE STRAPS EXTENDING AROUND THE FORM SIDES THEREBETWEEN AND RESILIENTLY GRIPPING SAID SIDE STRAPS AGAINST MOVEMENT, AND EACH STRAP HOLDING MEANS HAVING HOOK MEANS FORMED THEREON CONSTRUCTED FOR RECEIVING AND GRIPPING THE BRASSIERE SHOULDER STRAPS EXTENDING OVER THE FORM UPPER END AND HOLDING SAID SHOULDER STRAPS AGAINST MOVEMENT. 